Ref: Matthew P Bouchelle <mbouchel@juno.com>
Subject: Stuck in 3rd
Matt, et al,
This is typical of 60's shift linkage with wear. The
horizontal pin wears and allows the shifter tabs to try and
engage two gears at once. Normally, you can get under the
car and rock the two shift levers for 1-2 and 3-4th gears.
They usually disengage easily. If you have pushed it
into a hard bind you may have to do this with the rear
wheels off the ground and someone holding in your
clutch. The fix is a new fitted pin. I'm not sure whether
they are available commercially but I have mine
done about every 80K miles or so by a friend with
a machine shop.
After you get it unstuck you can drive it
safely by shifting slowly, making sure the previous
gear has been totally disengaged, and then shifting
into the next gear. A pain but it keeps you on the road.
By the way, it is tight but possible to change
out your shifter without removing the engine/transmission
from the car. Hope you know someone with small
hands.
Harry Elam
B382000471
Jaguar XJ6
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